Things you should know about baby's teeth.

Red cheeks and dribbles are often the first signs of teething. Gentle massaging of the gums with a toothbrush or teething ring can be soothing for babies at this stage.

Babies first teeth usually appear at about 6 months although some children will have teeth before then. As soon as the first teeth appear tooth brushing should become part of routine child care. At first baby may not like it but, as you do it more often it becomes quite soothing.

Pick a time which is convenient for you. Consider your child's normal daily routine, playtime or bath time may work best at first, and then you can move this to morning and bed time.
Baby's teeth can be brushed anywhere that is safe for baby. Sitting on your knee, on a changing mat, in the bath, in a high chair or sitting in the pram or stroller.

Stroke each tooth using a small soft toothbrush with a smear of toothpaste and imagine you are painting this onto the tooth. Flouride toothpaste on a dry brush works best. Eventually you can encourage baby to spit out the excess toothpaste but, if you avoid rinsing the mouth with fresh water you will be strengthening baby's teeth.

The toothbrush should be replaced every three months, or when the bristles start to splay out and away from the neat brush shape. Rinse the toothbrush between use and store it in a clean dry area.
Always supervise tooth brushing and never leave a child alone with a toothbrush.

Register your baby with a dentist and once your child is a year old, book a first appointment. Regular dental visits before anything needs to be done to repair or treat the teeth will make visits less concerning for the child.

Avoid sugary drinks and snacks between meals. Erosion is becoming a more common problem for both adults and children. Baby teeth have thinner dentine and enamel, and are worn away more quickly by contact with acid.
The foods that can affect children's teeth in this way include;-

1. Fizzy drinks like cola and lemonade, even some fizzy waters,
2. orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit drinks even when diluted.
3. Sour fruits, oranges and plums
4. Yoghurt
5. Herbal tea and vitamin C supplements.

Erosion can also be seen in children with gastric reflux and the teeth may become smaller and have saucer shaped depressions.
Fruit juices and squashes should not be given to babies or children in bottles as a comfort and children under the age of 2 years should not be given tea to drink. Limiting acidic foods to special times only and following their consumption with a bit of cheese or a milky drink will neutralize the acid more quickly.

If you are concerned about your child's teeth see your dentist.